When a court declared Iwao Hakamata innocent in September, the world’s longest-serving death row inmate appeared unable to fully grasp the moment, much less savor it. “I told him he was acquitted, and he remained silent,” recounted Hideko Hakamata, his 91-year-old sister, speaking to the BBC from their home in Hamamatsu, Japan. “I couldn’t discern whether he truly understood or not.” Hideko had been tirelessly advocating for her brother’s retrial ever since he was convicted of quadruple murder in 1968. In September 2024, at the age of 88, he was finally exonerated, bringing an end to Japan’s longest-running legal saga. Mr. Hakamata’s case stands out as remarkable, shedding light on the inherent harshness of Japan’s justice system, where death row inmates receive only a few hours’ notice before their scheduled execution and spend years living with the uncertainty of each day possibly being their last. Human rights advocates have long decried such treatment as cruel and inhumane, exacerbating the risk of mental illness among prisoners. Spending more than half a lifetime in solitary confinement, awaiting execution for a crime he did not commit, had taken a heavy toll on Mr. Hakamata.
Since being granted a rare retrial and released from prison in 2014, Mr. Hakamata has been living with his sister, Hideko, under her devoted care. On a daily outing with a volunteer group that supports the two siblings, he appears anxious around strangers, as Hideko explains, having been withdrawn into his own world for years. “Perhaps it is inevitable,” she reflects. “This is the result of being confined and isolated in a small prison cell for over 40 years. They treated him like an animal.”
Iwao Hakamata, a former professional boxer, was working at a miso processing plant when the bodies of his employer, the employer’s spouse, and their two teenage children were discovered, all brutally murdered. Accused of the crime, Mr. Hakamata was taken into custody, where he initially denied the allegations. However, under intense pressure, including beatings and lengthy interrogations, he later provided a confession that he later claimed was coerced. Convicted of murder and arson, he was sentenced to death. His time on death row prompted a noticeable change in his demeanor, with Hideko recalling a visit that left a lasting impact. Mr. Hakamata shared with her about an execution in an adjacent cell, leading to a significant shift in his mental state towards silence and withdrawal.
Mr. Hakamata’s story is one of many highlighting the detrimental effects of life on death row in Japan, where inmates wake up each day not knowing if it will be their last. Menda Sakae, who spent 34 years on death row before being exonerated, described the morning alert of potential execution as a time of intense anxiety
Approaching the cell, the dreadful feeling was indescribable. James Welsh, the primary author of a 2009 Amnesty International report on death row conditions, emphasized the cruelty of facing the constant threat of imminent death. The report highlighted the inmates’ vulnerability to severe mental health issues. Hideko witnessed her brother’s mental health deteriorate over the years, recalling a moment when he did not recognize himself. Stepping in as his advocate, Hideko fought for his innocence, which was finally recognized in 2014. The breakthrough came after years of legal battles, with evidence against him being discredited. Hideko’s relief and tears flowed freely when the judge declared her brother innocent. The case shed light on Japan’s justice system, known for its high conviction rates and controversial practices like “hostage justice.” Researchers and advocates have long criticized the lack of due process and presumption of innocence for those arrested. Hideko’s relentless campaign for her brother’s retrial underscores the injustices caused by forced confessions and withheld evidence in the criminal justice system.
The coercion experienced by her brother was a significant ordeal. However, Mr. Johnson disputes the notion that false accusations stem from a single mistake. He argues that such injustices are often the result of systemic failures spanning from law enforcement to the judiciary and beyond. Mr. Johnson emphasized the pivotal role of judges in wrongful convictions, underscoring how their decisions ultimately determine the course of justice. In a rare turn of events, Mr. Hakamata’s acquittal marked a pivotal moment of retrospective justice. Following the declaration of Mr. Hakamata’s innocence, the presiding judge at his retrial extended an apology to Hideko for the prolonged quest for justice. Subsequently, the Chief of Shizuoka police, Takayoshi Tsuda, visited Hideko’s residence to express remorse, acknowledging the decades of anguish endured by the siblings. Hideko, in a surprising response, attributed their experiences to destiny, opting not to harbor resentment.
Over nearly six decades of turmoil, Hideko has endeavored to infuse her home with brightness and positivity. Adorned with family photographs and memories, the house exudes warmth and hospitality. Reflecting on her childhood with her brother Iwao, Hideko reminisces about their inseparable bond and her lifelong commitment to his well-being. Despite the harrowing past, she remains focused on providing comfort to her brother, tending to his needs with unwavering devotion. By painting the front door pink as a symbol of hope and renewal, Hideko sought to create a cheerful environment for Mr. Hakamata upon his release. Though uncertainties linger about the lasting impact of their ordeal on Mr. Hakamata, Hideko remains steadfast in her resolve to ensure his tranquility and contentment. With a resolute attitude towards the future, she chooses to eschew blame and grievances, prioritizing the peaceful existence of her beloved brother.
